Chemical database: 15. Sodium benzoate

Sodium benzoate (NaC6H5CO2) is a compound that comes in form of a white solid at standard conditions. It doesn't have any specific smell. Density = 1.44 g/cm3. Melting point = 330.6°C. Boiling point = 464.9°C. Sodium benzoate is soluble in water. It is mainly used as a preservative (E211) because it efficiently kills most bacteria, molds and fungi (however, this property is only noticed when this compound is used in an acidic enviroment). It is also used in pyrotechnics (as a fuel in combination with various oxidizers), in the production of mouthwash products, etc.

At the moment, sodium benzoate can be bought in almost any usual store in form of powder or small granules, packed in small packages that are usually labeled with "food preservative" or something similar. It can probably also be bought or ordered from drugstores/pharmacies.